Welcome to our new Government Relations Committee leadership! Congratulations to Bryan Wolfe, Vice President, International Trade, Ann. Inc., and Stephanie Lester, Senior Director, Government Affairs, GAP Inc, on being elected Chairman and Vice Chairman, respectively, of the Government Relations Committee. Thanks also to Jerry Cook, Vice President, Government and Trade Relations, HanesBrands, Inc., who stepped down as Chairman of the Committee after serving for 11 years in that capacity. During Jerry’s tenure as Government Relations Committee Chairman, AAFA was at the forefront of many notable trade, regulatory, and legislative "wins" on behalf of the industry, including implementation of about half a dozen free trade agreements, multiple defenses of the First Sale doctrine, several corrections to the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA), and enactment of preference legislation on Africa, Haiti, and travel goods.  

AAFA comments on proposal to create an organic research and promotion board: On March 16, AAFA submitted comments opposing a rule proposed by the Agricultural Marketing Service to create an Organic Research and Promotion Board. The proposed research and promotion board would be funded by assessments placed on production of organic materials and imports of products containing organic materials.

Multi-association comments to EPA regarding chemical risks: AAFA signed on to a multi-association letter to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) along with 27 other groups on March 15. This letter urges the EPA to perform chemical risk assessments using the following practices: consult industry sources, consider only the "intended use" of the chemical, use scientific methods and sound science, use high quality data from credible sources, and focus on risk evaluation - not assessment of alternative chemicals.

One month to go! Join us at the American Image Awards gala: Have you seen who's taking the stage to accept awards on Monday, April 24 in New York City? We're thrilled to honor Andrew Rosen, Marc Fisher Footwear, Stuart Vevers, Nick Graham, and Ed Nardoza at the 2017 American Image Awards! Actor Alan Cumming will emcee the gala. Read more from AAFA President and CEO Rick Helfenbein.

See all of AAFA’s latest letters, comments, and testimony here.